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1 CHARLESTON PORT SOCIETY," 



IN BEHALF 

Of TUB ESTJIBLISHJtIEA'T 

or 

"A BAILOR'S HOME, 

IN THIS CITY. 



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Published by order of the Society. 



Charleston, 3th Itlareh, 1890. 



Charleston i 

PRINTED BT S. S. MILLER. 
No. 50 East-Bay. 

1839. 






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PROCEEDINGS 



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OF THE 

" CHARLESTON POUT SOCIETY," 

IN BEHALF 




"A SAILOR'S HOIKS," 

IN THIS CITY. 



Published by order of the Society. 



Charleston, 5th March, 1939. 



<£|)8t!est0tt t 

PRINTED BY S. S. MILLER 
No. 50 East-Bay. 

1839. 







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AT AN EXTRA MEETING, 
Held on Ote 14th of February, the following Resolution was adopted : 

" Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency 
of erecting a ' Seaman's Home," or Boarding House, with a Chapel annex- 
ed, in connexion with the Society." 

The Chairman nominated Mr. W. P. Finley, Rev. Mr. Barnwell, Messrs- 
Thomas F. Capers, William King, and Charles Edmondston, to compose the 
Committee. 

At an adjourned meeting held on the 18th February, the Committee ap- 
pointed at the previous meeting, presented the following Report and Resolu- 
tions, which were adopted by the Society: 

The Committee appointed to inquire into the expediency of erecting a 
Seaman's Home, or Boarding House, with a Chapel annexed, in connexion 
with the Society, beg leave to Report, that your Committee have had the sub- 
ject under due consideration, and would respectfully recommend the adoption 
of the following Resolutions, as expressive of their views of the matter 
referred to them, viz : 

Resolved, That the Society regard the establishment of a Sailor's Home 
in this City, with proper regulations, as highly conducive to the general ob- 
jects of this Society; and that it is decidedly expedient to make an effort at 
this time in favor of such a plan, 

Resolved, That Committees be appointed for the different Wards of the 
City of Charleston, and for the Neck, to solicit and receive contributions for 
the accomplishment of this measure, and that subscription lists be also left at 
the Gazette Offices. 

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to prepare a suitable Address, 
explanatory of the objects and advantages of the proposed Institution, and to 
make an Appeal to the Citizens oi Charleston, and of this State, for funds in 
aid of this benevolent object, and that the said Committee be authorised and 
requested to correspond with the Churches, and with public spirited indivi- 
duals throughout the State, to excite and promote a spirit favorable to this 
-•cause. 

Committees of Collection under the Second Resolution. — Ward No. 1, Captain 
Thomas II. Jervey, Messrs. C. A. Desaussure, [J. Albert Hopkins. Ward 
No. 2, Rev. Mr. Yates, Judge Axson, Thomas 'Lehre, Esq. Ward No. 3, 
Messrs. George B. Locke, T F. Capers, W. King. Ward No. 4, Messrs. E. 
R. Laurens, N. Hyatt, J. B. Betts,. For the Neck, Messrs. W. C. Dukes, H. 
Simmons, R. Adger, .1. M. Caldwell, W. Yeadon, and Joseph F. O'Hear. 

Committee to prepare an Address, under the Third Resolution — Messrs. W. P. 
Finley, R. Yeadon, Jun. and Thomas F. Capers. 

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Barnwell, 

Resolved, That as the primary object of this Society, as set forth in its 

titution, is to fun \Ai Seamen with the regular evangelical ministration 

ofthc Gospel, it is hereTiy expressly and distinctly declared, that this object 

se to be interfered with, by any efforts or arrangements to be made, 

in reference to the establishment or regulations of the Sailor's Home. 

On motion of R. Yeadon, Jun. 

Resolved, That the President of this Society be requested to carry into 
effect the Standing Resolution, relating to Sermons and Collections in the 
different Churches in the City and State. 

At a Special Meeting, on the 5th of March, Mr. Finley, from the Committee 
to prepare the same, presented the following Address, which was accepted 
and ordered to be printed in pamphlet form, under the direction ofa Commit- 
tee, consisting of Messrs. Finley, R, Yeadon, Jun. Capers, Gregorie, and Rev 
Mr. ^ 



TO THE PUBLIC. 



At a late meeting of the Charleston Port Society, it was Resolv- 
ed, that an effort should be made for the establishment of a " Sailor's 
Home" in this city, and that a Committee be appointed to prepare 
a public Address explanatory of the object and advantages of the 
proposed Institution, with an appeal to the citizens of Charleston, 
and of this State, for the requisite funds to aid in carrying into exe- 
cution this benevolent project. In pursuance of this resolution, 
the undersigned have been appointed by the Society, to bring this 
subject before the public view, and to urge its claims upon the con- 
sideration and patronage of an enlightened community. 

The object in establishing a " Sailor's Home,'' is to provide a sui- 
table Boarding House for Seamen frequenting the Port of Charles- 
ton, — similar to those which have been founded with the happiest 
effects, in Boston, New- York, and other commercial cities of our 
Union; the establishment to be managed upon such moral and eco- 
nomical regulations, as will afford adequate protection from all 
frauds and impositions; promote the comfort and convenience of 
its inmates, and be calculated to secure them, while sojourning 
amongst us, from those temptations and dangers, to which sea-faring 
men, in a populous city, are peculiarly exposed. The claim of such 
an Institution, to public favor and patronage rests upon this basis; 
that the character of Seamen, as a class, calls loudly for moral refor- 
mation, and that the measure proposed, is well adapted to produce 
this desirable result. Among the conspicuous causes of the demo- 
ralized and degraded condition of Seamen^we need not refer to the 
general character of Sailors' Boarding Houses, as found in all our 
commercial seaports, and to which the Sailor, as soon as he gets 
ashore, is decoyed byjirtifice, or attracted by the force of custom or 
example, and indeed, until a better be provided, he has hardly any 
alternative, but to frequent them. We do not think it possible to 
exaggerate the vile and wicked practices, which are witnessed in 
these dens of intemperance, debauchery and crime. We believe it 
must rarely happen that a Sailor escapes from the voracious " land- 
sharks and vampires" which prowl in these haunts of dissipation and 
vice, without being fleeced of his hard earned wages ; stupified by 
drunkeness, injured in health, and still more deeply steeped in the 
pollutions of moral turpitude. It may be difficult to determine, 
how much of this condition of things is to be regarded as the conse- 
quence, and how much the cause of the vicious character of Seamen. 
But for the purposes of our appeal, this inquiry is immaterial — of 
one thing we may be assured, that unless the Sailor can be separat- 
ed from such places of abode or resort; until he can be induced to 
ehun these horrid receptacles of revelry and sin, it would be idle to 
expect that his habits will be corrected, or his character reformed ; 
as well may you expect to shelter the lamb in the jaws of a hungry 
wolf; to extinguish fire, by adding fuel to the flame, or protect one 
from a raging pestilence, by forcing him into contact with the die- 



ease. "It is believed that hundreds of seamen in our own city, are 
sinking into temporal and eternal ruin from the pestiferous influ- 
ence of these abodes of moral death." The Church of God may be 
opened from Sabbath to Sabbath; the "Bethel Flag" maybe regular- 
ly unfurled, to invite the "Sons of the ocean" to the House of Prayer, 
and the Gospel may be preached with all the faithfulness and zeal 
of the most devoted Apostle, but those for whom these services are 
designed, are most carefully kept from attending them, or if perad- 
venture, any should be found in attendance at a Bethel Church and 
the stated means of Grace, but little effect can be expected to fol- 
low the services of the Sabbath, while the week is spent in such 
sinks of pollution. The truth is, that it is the interest of the Land- 
lords of such houses, that the Sailor should be ignorant, profane, 
intemperate, dissolute and reckless, and it is therefore, his policy, 
to use all the means in his power to prevent or counteract the ope- 
ration, of those moral influences, which tend to enlighten his con- 
science, rectify his habits, and benefit his character. It appears to 
us, then, that the first step to be taken in promoting the reformation 
of Seamen, is with the concurrence, and under the patronage of our 
respectable merchants and shipmasters, to provide such an estab- 
lishment as a "Sailor's Home," where Seamen, while in port, 
may find shelter, security and comfort; be withdrawn from those 
snares which beset and endanger the Sailor's path, and be acted 
upon by the same means of moral improvement, which are enjoyed 
by the other classes of society. We have heard the opinion expres- 
sed, that Sailors cannot be reformed, and that all efforts to this end 
are chimerical and vain. No opinion could be more illiberal and 
unfounded. It is nothing less than " treason against human nature, 
and blasphemy against omniscient goodness." Without adverting 
to what has been already achieved for the moral and social ameliora- 
tion of Seamen, of which most ample proofs can be adduced, who 
that reflects upon the ordinary traits characteristic of the Sailor — 
his uncalculating frankness — courage and generosity — his keen sen- 
sibility for the sufferings of others, and his ready and active zeal to 
minister to the wants, and relieve the distresses of the unfortunate — 
who can doubt, that the Sailor with such elements of character and 
materials for usefulness, may, by proper culture and training, be 
transformed into the moral, enterprising and valuable citizen. 
When we consider the ungeniul circumstances in which the Sailor 
is placed, it cannot be a matter of surprise that he should be immo- 
ral or profligate. Such a result is the natural consequence of his 
habits and manner of life. But who can suppose that this state of 
things is unavoidable and remediless, or that under the preaching 
of the Gospel, and the influences of God's Spirit accompanying the 
means of Grace, the character of the Sailor may not be regenerated 
and exalted into the " highest style of man." We have already re- 
marked, that institutions, such as is now proposed, have been estab- 
lished elsewhere with the happiest effects, and we cannot forbear 
annexing a few brief extracts from the Annual Report of " The 
Boston Seaman's Friend Society," which will show the opinion of 
those who have had the best means of observation on this subject, 
and whose testimony is entitled to the utmost credit and respect. 
The packet ship Switzerland, Capt. Hunt, which sailed from Bos- 
ton, in November, 183G, for Charleston and Havre, shipped nearly 



all her crew from the " Sailor's Home," established in that city ; 
much anxiety was felt to know what would be the result of their 
conduct. Some of them professed to be Christians — all of them to be 
temperate. It was known that they were going to a Southern port, 
where every art would be tried to induce them to abandon their 
ship, and where they would be exposed to all those perils which 
drown the souls of Seamen in perdition. But the good ship Swit- 
zerland returned in due season, with all her crew, except two, who 
were honorably discharged in Charleston. A communication was 
addressed to Capt. Hunt, containing several questions, to which he 
replied as follows : 

"Boston, 3d January, 1837. 
"P. Cutler, Esq. — Dear Sir, — In answer to your letter, making a few inquiries 
concerning the crew of the Ship Switzerland, it is with pleasure that I can say, 
without exception, it was the best crew lever commanded. I never saw so much 

}>eace and harmony on board of a ship. On my arrival at Charleston, the land- 
ords endeavoured to entice them away, but they could not succeed. I was often 
told in Charleston, by the merchants, it was apleasure to come alongside the Swit- 
zerland, for every man appeared to be at work, and no noise. In Havre, it was 
the same. On Sunday, when other ship's crews were seen intoxicated, the crew 
of the Switzerland were dressed clean and reading on board of their ship. I can- 
not say too much in their praise, and hope I shall be as fortunate the next voyage. 
*• In answer to your questions, 1st, I never saw or heard of the Crew drinking 
a drop of liquor. Before leaving Havre, each man subscribed a portion, and 
bought a quantity of Sugar and Chocolate, that they might have something warm 
at daylight. 2d. I believe the crew always paid attention to their Bibles. I 
have often heard them reading and singing in the forecastle, but the duty of the 
ship was never interrupted. 3d My firm opinion is, that if the merchants would 
patronize these Houses only, and even give extra wages, there would be an im- 
mense saving of property and lives. 4th. Everyman was obedient and respectful 
to myself and officers, and took asmuch interest in the ship as ourselves.'' 

About the same time a letter was received from the Rev. Mr. 
Sawtell, the Preacher to Seamen at Havre, in which, speaking"of 
the same crew, he says : 

"My heart has been greatly cheered in the acquaintance I have formed with 
the Crew of the Switzerland. They have, since in this port, recommended the 
Religion they profess, b}^ their conduct, and walked worthy of their high voca- 
tion. When such crewsjsail from our ports, we may safely give them letters of 
commendation, saying, l These are our epistles written in our hearts, known and 
read of all men.' The Lord hasten the time when every vessel that sails, shall 
be manned with such men. Then will the highway of the Lord be prepared for 
the speedy redemption of the world." 

A communication was also addressed to Capt. Russell, of the ship 
Florence, which sailed from Boston for New-Orleans, with an en- 
tire crew from the " Sailor's Home," and the following answer was 
received : 

" Boston, 4th April, 1837. 

Dear Sir — I received your letter of the 4th inst. to day, and have the pleasure to 
say. 1st. That the Crew of the Ship Florence, under my command, used no 
spirits during the voyage, or while in port. 2d. They were always obedient and 
very respectful to their Officers. 3d. There was certainly a very great differ- 
ence between them and those crews I have picked up from other transient houses. 
4th. I think it would be decidedly for the interest of the merchants to be furnished 
with such crews, as the late crew of the Florence. The effect on the shipping- 
interest, in my opinion, would be this — there would be no mutinies nor fightings. 
Thus the shipping interest would be much improved. I would, by all means, 
recommend such houses as is now kept by Capt Brown, (the " Sailor's Home.") 
Such houses being established and patronized, I think the time would shortly 
arrive, when most of the difficulties of a sea life would be done away with. — 
Peace and harmony would triumph over mutiny, and fighting, and intemperance. 
the cause of all the troubles onboard ship." 



Such are some of the benefits which may he expected to result 
from a "Sailor's Home," and the question now arises, whether an 
effort should not be made to establish such an Institution in our own 
city. It may be proper to state, that a Boarding-House, such as we 
now propose, has been in operation in Charleston to a limited ex- 
tent for a number of years, but though productive of the best influ- 
ence within the sphere of its action, it has been found inadequate 
in size and accommodations, and depending, as it does, upon the 
voluntary contributions of the " Ladies Seamen's Friend Socie- 
ty," who have generously assisted in furnishing the house and pay- 
ing the rent, but whose means, we are informed, are considerably 
reduced, the very existence of the establishment must be precari- 
ous. Such an Institution for our Commercial Metropolis, should 
be on an enlarged and more durable basis. The exigency for such 
an Institution, is also becoming greater. It is obvious from "the 
brilliant prospects now opening upon the Commerce of Charleston, 
that in the course of a few years, the number of Seamen frequenting 
this port will be much increased, and that, as the " Queen City 
of the South" our influence for "weal or wo," will be greatly 
augmented. We may also advert to the high and honorable repu- 
tation which our emporium has always sustained throughout the 
Union — to her enlightened and liberal support of all those Institu- 
tions, which strengthen and adorn the fabric of civilized society. 
Unless, we would, therefore, forfeit this honorable distinction, 
it becomes us to move forward with alacrity and zeal to the benevo- 
lent object of ameliorating the moral and social condition of Sea- 
men. Other cities, far inferior to ours, in population and wealth, 
have already established a "Sailor's Home." The citizens of Sa- 
vannah have just resolved to raise the sum of $10,000 for the same 
purpose, and shall we be willing to be thus outstripped in the career 
of philanthropy, and withhold our efforts from this noble cause 1 
Are we content to expose ourselves to the just reproach of neglect- 
ing the claims of a class of men, who have contributed so much to our 
opulence and fame, and on whom our future character and prospe- 
rity must materially depend ? Nor can we view this, as a subject of 
local or partial operation. It affects the interests of all. It is not 
only the merchant and shipmaster, who are concerned in the Sailor's 
being a sober man and a skilful navigator; for as the result of this 
would be the diminution of the risks and expenses of transportation, 
the benefit would he felt both by the producer of our staple commo- 
dities, and by the consumer of those articles which are received in 
exchange for them ; and who would not be interested, who would 
not rejoice, to behold this class of men now proverbially abandoned 
and lawless, converted into an orderly, prudent and respectable po- 
pulation — combining intelligence with energy — discretion with zeal, 
and piety with enterprize. Our national reputation is also closely 
connected with the moral character of our Seamen. American Sai- 
lors in foreign countries are esteemed in some degree as the repre- 
sentatives of the American character. If intelligent and virtuous, 
our character as a civilized and Christian nation is elevated and 
honored; and we could not but regard it as a blot upon the escut- 
cheon of our glorious Republic, that while the Seamen of other 
nations were exhibiting to the world all the characteristics of social 



improvement, those of the United States should continue turbulent, 
degraded and dissolute. 

If then it be desirable to establish a "Sailor's Home'' in this city. 
we are next to consider whether the requisite funds can be raised 
to carry out the project. It is certain, that the cost of such an Insti- 
tution would far exceed the present means of the Charleston Port 
Society. The original design of this Society was " The Promoting 
the Gospel among Seamen," and while we hail the proposed Institu- 
tion as a most valuable, if not essential auxiliary, we stand^pledged 
that the resources of our Society, should be faithfully dedicated to 
that sacred object. Besides which, our resources are small and en- 
tirely absorbed in the support of the " Mariner's Church.' ' If then, 
this philanthropic object is to be accomplished, it can only be by the 
free will offerings and generous co-operation of the patriotic and 
humane. The expense of establishing a " Sailor's Home," may be 
estimated at $20,000, but it is not necessary to the success of our 
plan, that this entire amount should be collected in one year ; it 
would be sufficient if in the course of three or four years this sum 
could be realized- Now if any thing like a spirit corresponding 
with the magnitude of the object be excited, nothing would be easier 
than to obtain from the citizens of our State, an annual contribution 
of $5000 for four years, for the accomplishment of this work. We 
believe that very nearly this sum would be received from the mer- 
chants of Charleston alone, if the scheme suggested, in one of our 
gazettes, of levying the trifling sum of a cent or two on every bag 
of cotton, or barrel of rice bought and sold in our market, should 
be adopted. But without resorting to this unequal contribution, 
could we not from the 250,000 of the white population of our State, 
find 500 individuals who are able and willing to be annually assess- 
ed with their proportion of the required amount; or among a popu- 
lation of 16,000 in Charleston, could not 200 be found to contribute 
twenty-jive dollars a year to this object. We cannot but feel assured 
that the Sons and Baughters of Carolina, with that hereditary muni- 
ficence which has always signalized their name, will be found soli- 
citous to devote of their substance, according to their ability, to the 
erection of so useful an Institution. — Nay, that as with the Hebrews 
of old, in constructing the Tabernacle in the wilderness, it may even 
be requisite to restrain their exuberant offerings in this noble cause. 

In concluding our address, permit us most earnestly to urge the 
claims of Seamen, on our generous sympathies and benevolent efforts. 
And first, they have a claim on our gratitude for benefits conferred. 
In the business of the world, the Sailor fills a most important place. 
It is by his agency, that we hold communication with foreign lands, 
and receive their superfluous productions, in exchange for our own. 
Without ships and sailors, we should not only be deprived of the 
comforts and luxuries which we enjoy from abroad, but those great 
staples, on which the prosperity and opulence of this State are based 
would become valueless, and the very foundations of our power en- 
tirely subverted. Nor should we be unmindful of the services of 
Seamen, as the defenders of our country in time of war. With so ex- 
posed and extended a sea-coast as ours, stretching from the St. 
Croix to the Sabine, it is obvious, that in case of foreign invasion, 
our fleets must abide the brunt of the battle, and that as in years 



8 

past, the honor and glory of the " Star Spangled Banner," must be 
supported mainly by the valor and prowess of American Sailors, 
bearing the thunders of our gallant navy, as far as waters roll and 
the winds can waft them. Now let us consider the privations to 
which this class of our fellow-countrymen must submit for our bene- 
fit, in the part assigned them in the drama of life — the hardships to 
be endured — the dangers to be braved — the sacrifices to be suffer- 
ed — and then say whether they are not entitled by all the laws of 
gratitude, to be requited, by our best exertions in their behalf. But 
their moral destitution also presents a strong claim upon our charity 
and kindness. To such an appeal we cannot but hope that a nume- 
rous portion of this community will be found most promptly to re- 
spond. It is among the Cardinal precepts of our Holy Religion to 
love thy neighbor as thyself; and when it is asked who is our neigh- 
bour, we are taught by the parable of the good Samaritan, that he 
is our neighbor, whatever may be his name or nation, who stands 
in need of our help. In obedience to this sacred rule of Gospel 
morality, Asylums and Hospitals have been founded for sick and dis- 
abled Seamen. This is well. But while careful to provide for their 
physical welfare, is it not culpable to be neglectful of their spiritual 
interests. While devising" means to rescue them from the fangs of 
bodily disease should we not be equally solicitous to deliver them 
from those moral disorders which debase the intellect and war against 
the soul. If intelligence should reach us that some noble ship had 
foundered at sea, and that a few of the shipwrecked mariners who 
had survived the horrors of the storm, were cast upon our shores, 
houseless and destitute, how soon would charity rush to their relief 
and be seen with open heart and extended arms feeding the hun- 
gry, clothing the naked, and affording shelter and protection to 
the homeless wanderers of the deep. But alas ! a disaster far more 
terrible than this, may be the doom of the shipwrecked Sailor. 

" A sadder sight the eye can know 
Than proud bark lost and Seaman's wo, 
Or battle fire or tempest cloud, 
Or prey bird's shriek and ocean shroud — 
The shipwreck of the soul." 

Let us then engage in this noble enterprize with a zeal and energy 
proportioned to the magnitude of the object. What is to be done, must 
needs be done quickly. Every storm which sweeps the ocean, is bear- 
ing the objects of our charities, beyond the reach of human effort — 
Away with the ungenerous thought, that we cannot afford to assist in 
this work of benevolence ! Consider the large proportion of our in- 
comes, now consumed in the luxuries of life — consider the thousands 
which are lavished amongst us in beautifying our city with splendid 
edifices and architectural ornaments. Let but a trifling part of this 
superabundant capital be devoted to the construction of a "Sailor's 
Home." Then may we hope that the blessing of God will rest on 
our venerable metropolis. Then will she be, indeed, entitled to the 
proud appellation of the " Queen of the South," and be hailed by the 
tempest tossed mariner, when he approaches our shores, as a city 
of refuge, not only from the angry billows of the deep, but those 
more awful perils which drown men's souls in eternal perdition. 

W. PERONNEAU FINLEY, ) 
RICHARD YEADON, Jure. }Cammittu. 
THOMAS F. CAPERS, ) 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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